The
Golden State Warriors narrowly escaped a Play-In disaster against the
Memphis Grizzlies, securing the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference. But even with their postseason spot locked in, changes may be necessary this offseason—starting with moving on from Buddy Hield and pursuing Miami Heat star
Bam Adebayo, as predicted by .
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(Disclaimer: As of right now, the information and analysis in this piece are preliminary. It's important to keep in mind that even while the information is based on trustworthy sources, these are not official statements or confirmed activities. As the offseason goes on, readers are encouraged to wait for official updates and exercise caution when interpreting this analysis.)Why the Golden State Warriors Need to Move On from Buddy Hield
Bam Adebayo (Image via USA TODAY Sports)
Buddy Hield’s early-season promise as a Klay Thompson replacement has faded. His three-point shooting, once reliable, has plummeted to concerning lows:
- December: 30.5% from three
- January: 31.5% from three
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- Play-In performance: 1-of-4 from deep against Memphis
While Hield finished the regular season at 37.0% from beyond the arc, his inconsistency makes him a liability. As Caleb Hightower noted,
"He’s looked more like a fraudulent splash brother as time has progressed." Buddy Hield’s Decline in Key Stats
Month
| 3P%
| Performance Trend
|
|---|
Early Season
| Above 35%
| Strong start
|
December
| 30.5%
| Sharp decline
|
January
| 31.5%
| Continued struggles
|
Play-In Game
| 25.0%
| Ice-cold entering playoffs
|
Bam Adebayo: The Ideal Frontcourt Upgrade
If the
Golden State Warriors exit the playoffs early, targeting Bam Adebayo in a trade could reshape their roster. The three-time All-Star has evolved into a complete two-way force:
- 2024-25 Stats: 18.1 PPG, 9.6 RPG, 4.3 APG
- Shooting Splits: 48.5% FG, 35.7% 3P
- Versatility: Scores inside, handles the ball, and stretches the floor
Adebayo’s growth from a defensive specialist to an offensive weapon addresses Golden State’s need for a dynamic big man.
How Adebayo Fits with the Golden State Warriors
1. Scoring Boost: Provides interior scoring and mid-range efficiency.
2. Playmaking: Adds a facilitator from the high post.
3. Defensive Anchor: Complements Draymond Green’s versatility.
The Trade Scenario
A Hield-Adebayo swap wouldn’t improve the Warriors’ outside shooting, but it would give them a proven All-Star to pair with
Stephen Curry and Draymond Green. Miami, meanwhile, could benefit from Hield’s shooting if they retool their roster.
Potential Trade Package
- Warriors Receive: Bam Adebayo
- Heat Receive: Buddy Hield, future draft picks, and/or young players
Also read:
NBA Offseason Rumors: Los Angeles predicted to acquire 6-foot-8 Brooklyn Nets forward to form Big 3 with LeBron James and Luka Doncic Golden State's postseason performance will determine how urgent they are, but it makes sense to move from Hield to Adebayo. According to Hightower's research, Bam Adebayo's adaptable style of play could be crucial to the Golden State Warriors' next championship run.
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